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Innovative energy solutions bring light and warmth to a remote Thai village

Solar power and biogas solutions are helping residents of a remote Thai village to create their own grid. Those who live in Pa Deng in Kaeng Krachan, Phetchaburi, have homes that seem to have remained unchanged for hundreds of years: Far from any established power lines, the lifestyle here is very rustic, but a group is now helping to bring light, warmth, and power to the people here by installing solar panels and biogas balloons, and teaching residents how to use them.

Known as the “Pa Deng model“, the system being developed can be adapted to just about any outlying region, improving quality of life for all. Solar panels stand between the houses, and allow residents to power electric water pumps and lights, as well as computers. Additionally, the water pumps powered by the solar panels can be used to irrigate the farm fields nearby. Biogas balloons collect methane from biodegrading natural materials, and although that gas is used primarily for cooking, it can also be channeled into a standard gasoline generator and used to charge batteries.

The best part about the Pa Deng model is that it isn’t merely centered around handing out technology to village residents, but aims to teach people how to use and modify it. The villagers can pool their knowledge and expertise with the different systems, creating a grid of community collaboration.

To learn more about the project, please visit the Progress Thailand website.